Santa Fe Police Officer Quits After Investigation

A Santa Fe police officer investigated for possible affiliation with a motorcycle gang has resigned.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (http://bit.ly/ZQE0VU) that Officer Ben Chavarria became the focus of an internal investigation in February for his alleged affiliation with the Bandidos Motorcycle Club.

A 13-year veteran, he says he has ridden motorcycles most of his life but has never been affiliated with a biker gang.

Chief Ray Real says he reassigned Chavarria to "non-police" duties following an investigation. He declined to comment further, saying it was a personnel matter.

Chavarria then submitted his resignation.

The allegations stem from a paid obituary for Stevan Roybal that listed Roybal as a Bandidos member and Chavarria as an honorary pallbearer. Chavarria says Roybal was a childhood friend.

Chavarria has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.